Residents in the Summergroves area have been campaigning for action to be taken on the pungent odour they can often smell at their homes. In certain weather conditions, there has been a strong odour and fine particles of ash falling in the area. Residents had highlighted the Tarmac factory as a potential source of the odour, and contacted us and the council.

Following several meetings on the issue residents in the area, with the help of the Summergroves Way Residents Association, have got their first success: Tarmac has agreed to extend the height of the chimney stack in order that the emissions will be better dispersed. “I am really pleased the residents have achieved this success after all their hard work and persistence on the issue” said Councillor Claire Thomas, “there is still more to do, but it is good to see that Tarmac are taking this problem seriously”.

This is not the end of the campaign, however. The council will now be working with Tarmac to take samples from the chimney stack to identify the odour and ash that has been falling on Summergroves. The council is also asking residents in the area to monitor the problem and report any incidents to the council, so that it can establish a more accurate picture of when the odour occurs. “We need residents’ help to accurately identify the problem”, commented Councillor Abigail Bell. “If you are willing to help monitor the problem, please contact us and we will send you some of the council’s monitoring forms”.